THIS WEEK: Cabinet urges on accommodating divergent views

Following attacks on legislator Simeo Nsubuga and Constitutional Affairs Minister Kahinda Otafiire, cabinet in an Aug04 meeting resolved people who assault those that they don’t agree with ideologically be ‘seriously’ dealt with.

“Cabinet has therefore among other resolutions directed the Police and other law enforcement agencies to firmly take action against any person alleged to be intimidating and/or attacking any other citizen on account of his/her divergent views”, wrote Information Minister Frank Tumwebaze in a statement saying that there’s need for an atmosphere that accommodates wide ranging debates.

Tumwebaze who said the intolerance is politically motivated added that the recent physical attacks on targeted people are meant to intimidate them to shy away from expressing their views. Chapter 18 of the Constitution and specifically Article 259 provides for a mechanism of amending the Constitution and therefore gives anyone an opportunity to express him/herself and propose any amendments, the statement read.